Choosing the right cellular family plan can be complicated, especially with so many providers vying for your attention. Verizon has long been a contender, particularly known for plans that included enticing perks. However, Verizon has recently updated its approach to these bundled services, which may change how you perceive their value. Let’s delve into whether Verizon’s revamped plan structure still positions them as a top pick for the Best Cellular Family Plans.
Previously, Verizon stood out with its Play More plan, which automatically bundled the Disney bundle (ad-free Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu with ads) and services like Google Play Pass or Apple Arcade directly into the plan’s cost. This all-inclusive approach was attractive to families already using these services.
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Now, Verizon has shifted its strategy. Instead of automatically including perks, they offer a selection of perks for an additional $10 per month each. This allows for greater customization, as you can now handpick the perks that best suit your family’s needs. Interestingly, even their more affordable plan, Unlimited Welcome, is eligible for these add-on perks.
The Unlimited Welcome plan is priced at $65 monthly for a single line or $120 for four lines. It provides unlimited talk, text, and data. However, it’s important to note that this plan doesn’t grant access to Verizon’s fastest 5G networks, known as “5G Ultra Wideband,” or include hotspot data. For those features, you’d need to upgrade to the Unlimited Plus plan, which costs $80 for one line or $180 for four lines.
Both the Unlimited Welcome and Unlimited Plus plans offer the perk add-on option at the $10 monthly rate. The available perks are quite appealing and include:
- Disney Bundle: (Typically $15/month) Access to Disney Plus (ad-free), ESPN Plus, and Hulu (with ads).
- Apple One Individual: (Typically around $17/month) A suite of Apple services including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage.
- Apple Music Family: (Typically $17/month) Family access to Apple Music, shareable with up to five family members.
- Walmart Plus: (Typically $13/month) Includes free shipping from Walmart.com, Paramount Plus Essential, and other benefits.
Beyond these entertainment and shopping perks, Verizon also offers other add-ons:
- 100GB Hotspot Data: (Typically $45/month) Significantly increases your mobile hotspot data allowance.
- 2TB Verizon Cloud Storage: (Typically $15/month) Provides ample cloud storage for your photos, videos, and files.
- 3 Days of International Data (TravelPass): (Typically $10/day) Enables data usage while traveling internationally for a short period.
Cell Phone Plans Comparison
A key advantage of this new system is the flexibility it offers. You have the freedom to activate or deactivate perks as needed, or even choose to forgo them altogether. You can also mix and match perks on a single line, potentially adding multiple perks if desired.
To determine if this new perk system is truly beneficial for your family, some careful evaluation is necessary. Consider creating a spreadsheet to compare the costs of your current services with the potential savings from Verizon’s perks. If you are already paying for several of these services independently, bundling them through Verizon could lead to substantial savings. However, it’s also possible that depending on your specific needs, it might be more expensive than your current setup.
Verizon also allows for plan flexibility within the family. You can “mix and match” lines, meaning not everyone needs to be on the Unlimited Plus plan for faster 5G connectivity. Family members with less demanding data needs can opt for Unlimited Welcome, while those who require faster speeds can choose Unlimited Plus.
While AT&T offers a similar “mix and match” approach with their unlimited plans, they currently don’t provide any streaming or service perks. T-Mobile, on the other hand, typically requires all family members to be on the same plan to access their perks. Verizon’s individual perk add-on structure offers a unique middle ground, combining flexibility with potential cost savings.
For instance, if you were looking for a more affordable way to access the Disney bundle, you could have four lines on the Unlimited Welcome plan for $120 per month, add the Disney perk for $10, and get the whole package for $130 a month. This can be a more budget-friendly way to enjoy streaming services compared to standalone subscriptions.
Furthermore, Verizon extends additional discounts to teachers, nurses, military personnel, and first responders, which can further reduce the overall cost of these plans, making them even more attractive for eligible families.
In conclusion, Verizon’s new perk system for their cellular family plans introduces both complexity and opportunity. While it requires a bit more effort to evaluate and customize, the potential for savings and flexibility is significant. By carefully considering your family’s needs and desired perks, Verizon could still be a strong contender for the best cellular family plan for you.
